Emily Crose
Summary
Emily Crose is a former US intelligence officer with over a decade of experience in cybersecurity. She has worked with government agencies including the NSA, CIA, and US Army INSCOM. Her work in these roles involved offensive and defensive cybersecurity, focusing on securing industrial control systems that protect infrastructure such as electricity, water, and transportation.
Emily is the author of an upcoming book titled Hack to the Future: The US Government’s Relentless Pursuit of Hackers, which will be published in December 2024 by Wiley. The book explores the history of hacking and its connection with the US government. It examines events like the Morris worm and the Melissa virus and explains how hacker culture has developed over time and become part of geopolitical strategies. The book aims to provide a clear understanding of the relationship between hacking, government, and global politics.
Currently, Emily works on securing industrial infrastructure around the world, specialising in cybersecurity for key sectors. She is known for her understanding of cybersecurity threats to these systems and provides practical advice on how to address them. Her expertise covers both offensive methods, like penetration testing, and defensive measures to protect critical services.
Emily is an advocate for government transparency and countering extremism. She regularly speaks and teaches on topics like privacy protection and the potential risks of cyber war. One of her notable presentations, “Blood In The Wires,” discusses the impact of technology on communities, raising awareness of the unintended consequences of technological progress.
She is also an advocate for LGBT+ inclusion and speaks about the importance of diversity in the tech industry. As a transgender woman, Emily shares her experiences in male-dominated workplaces, highlighting the issues faced by women, especially transgender women, in these environments
Emily is a regular speaker at industry conferences, including events at the International Spy Museum and the Diana Initiative. Her work continues to influence discussions on cybersecurity and social issues in various sectors.
Biography
Emily Crose was born and raised in the United States. Early in her life, she developed an interest in technology and security, which later shaped her professional career. She initially pursued a degree in history to become a history teacher, but she realised her passion for being actively involved in shaping the future rather than studying the past. This led her to switch to Information Assurance studies at Eastern Michigan University, where she began her journey into the field of cybersecurity.
Emily’s career in cybersecurity started when she joined the United States Army’s Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). During her time there, she worked on both offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations. This work led to her later positions at the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she continued to build her expertise in network security and industrial control system (ICS) security. Her role in these agencies involved securing critical infrastructure, including electricity, water, and transportation systems, and developing strategies to protect these sectors from cyber threats.
In 2016, Emily transitioned as a transgender woman while continuing her work in cybersecurity. This transition marked an important personal change and informed her later advocacy for LGBT+ inclusion in the tech industry.
Throughout her career, Emily has developed expertise in industrial control systems and cybersecurity. She has worked on a wide range of projects aimed at improving the resilience of these systems, using both offensive techniques like penetration testing and defensive strategies to safeguard services.
Emily is also an advocate for transparency in government and efforts to counter extremism. She has given talks and presentations on these subjects at industry conferences. Her presentation topics include privacy protection, the realities of cyber warfare, and the risks posed by advancing technology. One of her talks, "Blood In The Wires," highlights the ethical concerns of technological advancements and the impact these developments have on certain communities.
In addition to her work, Emily is an educator and trainer, sharing her knowledge on topics such as cybersecurity, privacy protection, and the risks involved in industrial security. She has worked with several organisations, including the International Spy Museum and the Diana Initiative, contributing to discussions on security and diversity in the technology sector.
Emily’s book, Hack to the Future: The US Government’s Relentless Pursuit of Hackers, is set to be published in December 2024. The book covers the history of hacking culture and its relationship with the US government. It explores moments such as the release of the Morris worm and the Melissa virus, and analyses how hacker culture has changed over time. The book also examines the ways in which the US government has both opposed and integrated hacker activities into its geopolitical strategies.
Currently, Emily holds a senior technical role at Sophos Labs, where she continues her work in offensive and defensive cybersecurity. She is involved in projects aimed at securing industrial infrastructure and addressing the cyber threats faced by various sectors. In addition to her work at Sophos, she remains an active speaker at cybersecurity conferences, contributing her knowledge to discussions on cybersecurity, government transparency, and LGBT+ inclusion.
Vision
Emily Crose’s vision is to create a safer, more secure digital world by protecting critical infrastructure and promoting transparency in cybersecurity practices. She is committed to advancing cybersecurity measures that safeguard essential services like energy, water, and transportation systems. Emily also advocates for greater inclusion and diversity in the technology sector, ensuring that underrepresented groups have a voice in shaping the future of cybersecurity. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between technology, ethics, and social responsibility, while empowering individuals and organisations to protect themselves from modern cyber threats.
Recognition and Awards
She has been a key speaker at notable industry conferences, such as the International Spy Museum and the Diana Initiative. Her expertise in industrial control system security and her work with government agencies like the NSA and CIA have made her a respected figure in the field. Emily's advocacy for LGBT+ inclusion in the tech industry has also earned her recognition within the community. Her upcoming book, Hack to the Future, further highlights her influence in cybersecurity.
References
- Emily Crose| SPYEX
- Emily Crose| International Spy Museum
- Emily Crose | Sophos Labs| SANS Institute
- Emily Crose| Eyeo Festival
- Emily Crose - Renew Team - The University of Arizona| The University of Arizona
- About - Hexadecim8.com| hexadecim8.com
- Hack to The Future: How World Governments Relentlessly | Amazon.com
- Emily Crose Cabanis | Climate Impact Capital
- Emily Crose - The Parallax View| the-parallax.com
- Hack to The Future: How World Governments Relentlessly | Wiley
- Chapter 17. Emily Crose - Tribe of Hackers [Book]| O'Reilly Media
- Emily Crose| International Spy Museum